News & Commentary

The Snow Must Go On

September 25, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaKate Poole

Climate change is bringing many changes to California’s water system, but one of the most concerning is the loss of the Sierra snowpack caused by warming temperatures.

Public Banks Will Help Fight Climate Change!

September 24, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaJulia Prochnik

Public Banks restore economic power to local communities, empowering them to invest in projects that fight climate change and improve their quality of life.

Freshwater Flows, Reduced Diversions Help Abate Toxic Algae

September 23, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaMelanie Sturm

Governor Newsom Starts to Lead California Out of its Oily Mire

September 20, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaAnn Alexander

San José Adopts Strongest Building Code Among Large Cities

September 18, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaMaria Stamas, Pierre Delforge

The San José City Council voted today to adopt requirements for builders that will provide San José residents with clean, affordable energy in buildings.

Governor Newsom, California Needs SB 1

September 16, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaKate Poole

The bill addresses the need for California to provide clear direction to state agencies that the state can and must block reckless rollbacks of long-standing federal policies by an exploitative Trump administration hell-bent on undermining protections for California’s workers, air…

California Approves Novel Low-Income EV Charger Program

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaMiles Muller

PG&E will launch a new program to reduce barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption in low- and moderate-income communities in Northern California.

California Legislature Passes Landmark Nonfloating Oil Bill

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaAnn Alexander

The legislature has rightfully recognized, in passing the bill, that nonfloating oil is a disaster waiting to happen.

A Lack of Balance: Runoff and Harmful Algal Blooms

September 9, 2019 Expert BlogCalifornia, Los Angeles, New JerseyCorinne Bell

There’s a lot local agencies and regulators can do to help prevent algae blooms that threaten public health.

Why the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Other Agencies Oppose SB 1

September 9, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

If you like Trump’s rollbacks of environmental protections, you’ll love the water districts’ proposed amendments to "fix" SB 1.

We Must Act Now to Protect California’s Coast

September 5, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaIrene Gutierrez

California’s clean ocean economy is too valuable to squander for the prospect of a finite and dirty resource like offshore oil.

Newspapers Support SB 1 to Protect Against Trump Rollbacks

September 5, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaAnnie Notthoff

The legislation, authored by Senate pro Tem Toni Atkins, would ensure that California’s own environmental and public health laws provide a backstop to federal environmental rollbacks. 

San Jose’s Proposed Building “Reach Code,” Explained

September 4, 2019 Expert BlogCalifornia, San Jose (California)Pierre Delforge, Maria Stamas

San Jose is reaching for a modern, more sustainable building energy code this September with an important opportunity before its City Council members: to adopt requirements for builders that will provide San Jose residents with clean, affordable energy in buildings…

Why SB 1 Must Ensure that CESA Applies to the Federal CVP

September 3, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaKate Poole

The bill’s authors and proponents, including NRDC, have worked long and hard to resolve the vast majority of concerns raised during the legislative session. Now, some are arguing that the bill should be stripped of its longstanding provision applying the…

SLO Could Pass the Next Landmark Clean Energy Building Code

August 29, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaPierre Delforge

San Luis Obispo could become one of the first cities in the state to pass policy aimed at transitioning to zero-emission electric homes and businesses that are cleaner, safer, and more affordable for their occupants.

Principles for Parks and Equitable Development

August 28, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, MemphisSasha Forbes, AICP

Assets in our communities that offer us increased connectivity, shelter, and planned outdoor spaces can act as triggers that escalate land values which usually price out existing residents, often low-income and people of color, and more often renters. But communities…

California on PFAS: Missing the Forest For the Trees

August 26, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaDr. Anna Reade

California is missing a huge opportunity to deal more comprehensively with a large class of toxic, ‘forever’ chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our drinking water. 

Latin America Can Be a Climate Leader with Better Land Use

August 21, 2019 Expert BlogBrazil, Chile, Mexico, ColombiaCarolina Herrera

One climate priority where Latin America can and must make critical progress and show leadership is land use.

Now's the Time to Fortify CA Safer Consumer Products Program

August 20, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaAvinash Kar

Breaking down SB502

Will CA Pass SB 1 to Resist Trump’s Environmental Assault?

August 16, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

The Trump Administration is stepping up its attacks on California’s rivers, salmon, and other native fish and wildlife, and the thousands of fishing jobs that depend on these environmental protections.